Cristiano Ronaldo has launched a scathing criticism of Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, accusing him of making statements that a coach at a club like Manchester United "cannot say." In a recent interview on the *Rio Ferdinand Presents* podcast, Ronaldo reflected on his tumultuous second stint at Old Trafford, his departure from the club, and the ongoing issues under Ten Hags management.
Ronaldo, who had a highly publicized fallout with Ten Hag during the 2022-23 season, eventually had his contract terminated in November 2022 after an explosive interview with Piers Morgan. Despite winning the Carabao Cup and reaching the FA Cup final under Ten Hag, United finished a disappointing eighth in the Premier League, and Ronaldo believes the Dutchmans approach is partly to blame.
Speaking about Manchester United's current situation, Ronaldo emphasized the need for a comprehensive rebuild at the club, both on and off the pitch. He took issue with Ten Hag's alleged remarks that the team isnt competing to win the Premier League or Champions League, arguing that such statements are unacceptable for a club of United's stature. Ronaldo stated, "As a Manchester United coach, you cannot say that you're not going to fight to win the League or Champions League. You have to try."
Ronaldo also advised Ten Hag to pay attention to the insights of Ruud van Nistelrooy, a former Manchester United legend and now an assistant coach at the club. Van Nistelrooy, who scored 150 goals for United and won a Premier League title, recently returned to Old Trafford as part of the clubs coaching staff. Despite a past altercation with Van Nistelrooy, Ronaldo believes the former strikers experience and understanding of the clubs culture could be invaluable to Ten Hag. He suggested that Ten Hag should also listen to other former United players like Rio Ferdinand, Roy Keane, and Gary Neville, who have firsthand experience with the club's winning mentality.
Ronaldos comments come amid a period of significant change at Manchester United, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently acquiring a minority stake in the club and initiating a major overhaul of the backroom staff. Ronaldo acknowledged these changes and expressed his hope that they will lead to a brighter future for the club, though he remained critical of the way his second spell at United ended.
Reflecting on his time at United between 2021 and 2022, Ronaldo noted that he was still performing at a high level, despite being 37 years old. He highlighted his scoring record during that period, where he was one of the top scorers in the Premier League and played a key role in Uniteds campaign. However, the fallout with Ten Hag and the subsequent termination of his contract left a sour taste in Ronaldos mouth.
Ronaldos remarks have sparked fresh debate about the direction of Manchester United under Ten Hag, especially as the club continues to struggle in the league. The appointment of Van Nistelrooy as an assistant coach is seen by some as a move to bring back the winning culture that defined the club during Sir Alex Fergusons era. However, whether Ten Hag will heed Ronaldos advice and lean on the experience of his former players remains to be seen.
As Manchester United looks to rebuild and return to the top of English football, Ronaldos candid criticism serves as a reminder of the high standards expected at the club. His words may resonate with many fans who have grown frustrated with the teams recent performances and are eager to see a return
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